scholarly journals How to Improve Network Science: the Potential of (Empirically Calibrated and Validated) Agent-Based Modelling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edmund Chattoe-Brown ◽  
Simone GABBRIELLINI
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Network Science ◽  
Social Processes ◽  
Scientific Contribution ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Calibration And Validation ◽  
Agent Based Modelling ◽  
Empirical Calibration ◽  
Individual Cognition ◽  
Effective Contribution

This article argues that the potential of Agent-Based Modelling (the capability for empirical justification of computer programmes representing social processes as dynamically unfolding individual cognition, action and interaction to reveal emerging aggregate outcomes) is not yet fully realised in the scientific study of social networks. By critically analysing several existing studies, it shows why the technique’s distinctive methodology (involving empirical calibration and validation) is just as important to its scientific contribution as its novel technical capabilities. The article shows the advantages of Agent-Based Models following this methodology and distinguishes these clearly from the implications of apparently similar techniques (like actor-based approaches). The article also discusses the limitations of existing Agent-Based Modelling applied to social networks, enabling the approach to make a more effective contribution to Network Science in future.

The Order of Human Interdependencies: Simulating Elias’ One-level Multi-person Models

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 105-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Hemmerechts ◽  
Nohemi Jocabeth Echeverria Vicente ◽  
Dimokritos Kavadias
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Social Processes ◽  
Computational Framework ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Agent Based Modelling ◽  
Norbert Elias ◽  
Or Groups ◽  
Emergent Dynamics

Sociologist Norbert Elias made it his lifework to describe and explain long-term processes. According to Elias, these processes cannot be studied voluntaristically by only focusing on human intentions or motivations. This is because they are the unplanned result of a whole spectrum of interactions of different people over time. According to Elias, these interactions between individuals interweave to produce a development that is relatively autonomous from the actions of individuals. To illustrate how the actions of individuals interweave and produce emergent dynamics, Elias constructed several theoretical models that are simplified versions of social processes. Importantly, the different models state precise propositions and consequences of specific types of interweaving that can be formally tested. This article simulates the Eliasian approach to social life. We reproduce the theoretical models of Elias with a method that is highly suited to investigate their emergent dynamics: agent-based modelling. Agent-based models are computer models that simulate agents (i.e. individuals or groups of individuals) and their interaction with other agents. More specifically, we test whether the theorized consequences of the Eliasian models exist when we implement their propositions in a computational framework.

scholarly journals The Potential of Modeling Process for Social Sciences and Social Work

2021 ◽  
pp. 113-134
Author(s):  
Andrés Lorenzo-Aparicio ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Social Processes ◽  
Social Phenomena ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Useful Knowledge ◽  
Agent Based Modelling ◽  
Modeling Process ◽  
The Social ◽  
Human Ecosystems

Simplification and necessary reductionism in a model cannot lead to detailed descriptions of social phenomena with all their complexity, but we can obtain useful knowledge from their application both in specific and generic contexts. Human ecosystems, that perform as adaptative complex systems, have features which make it difficult to generate valid models. Amongst them, the emergency phenomena, that presents new characteristics that cannot be explained by the components of the system itself. But without this knowledge derived from modelling, we, as social workers, cannot suggest answers that ignore the structural causes of social problems. Faced with this challenge we propose Agent Based Modelling, as it allows us to study the social processes of human ecosystems and in turn demonstrates new challenges of knowledge and competences that social workers might have.

Agent-Based Modelling of Social Networks

2014 ◽  
pp. 141-166
Author(s):  
Randy Gimblett ◽  
Robert Itami ◽  
Aaron Poe
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Agent Based Modelling

scholarly journals Combining social network analysis and agent-based modelling to explore dynamics of human interaction: A review

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 16325 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meike Will ◽  
Jürgen Groeneveld ◽  
Karin Frank ◽  
Birgit Müller
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Social Network Analysis ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Agent Based Models ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Agent Based Modelling ◽  
The Impact

Agent-based modelling (ABM) and social network analysis (SNA) are both valuable tools for exploring the impact of human interactions on a broad range of social and ecological patterns. Integrating these approaches offers unique opportunities to gain insights into human behaviour that neither the evaluation of social networks nor agent-based models alone can provide. There are many intriguing examples that demonstrate this potential, for instance in epidemiology, marketing or social dynamics. Based on an extensive literature review, we provide an overview on coupling ABM with SNA and evaluating the integrated approach. Building on this, we identify current shortcomings in the combination of the two methods. The greatest room for improvement is found with regard to (i) the consideration of the concept of social integration through networks, (ii) an increased use of the co-evolutionary character of social networks and embedded agents, and (iii) a systematic and quantitative model analysis focusing on the causal relationship between the agents and the network. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of a comprehensive and clearly structured model conceptualization and documentation. We synthesize our findings in guidelines that contain the main aspects to consider when integrating social networks into agent-based models.

The Spatial Dimensions of Social Networks

2020 ◽  
pp. 367-383
Author(s):  
Zachary P. Neal
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Topological Space ◽  
Network Science ◽  
Spatial Dimensions

The first law of geography holds that everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things, where distance refers to topographical space. If a first law of network science exists, it would similarly hold that everything is related to everything else, but near things are more related than distant things, but where distance refers to topological space. Frequently these two laws collide, together holding that everything is related to everything else, but topographically and topologically near things are more related than topographically and topologically distant things. The focus of the spatial study of social networks lies in exploring a series of questions embedded in this combined law of geography and networks. This chapter explores the questions that have been asked and the answers that have been offered at the intersection of geography and networks.

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